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Chinese food is a cuisine that has taken the world by storm. Cantonese Chow Mein is one of the most popular dishes, and it’s easy to see why. This dish is packed with flavor and can be made in minutes. Chow mein is a classic Chinese dish typically made with noodles, vegetables, and a sauce. This version is made with Cantonese soy sauce, which gives it a salty and slightly sweet flavor. It’s quick and easy to make, making it the perfect weeknight meal!
Why Is It Called Supreme Soy Sauce Chow Mein?
Supreme Soy Sauce Chow Mein is named for the Cantonese soy sauce that is used in its preparation. This soy sauce is known for its rich and complex flavor, which makes it an ideal choice for this dish. It also adds a nice salty and slightly sweet flavor to the noodles and vegetables, balancing out the other flavors in this dish. In addition to Cantonese soy sauce, Supreme Soy Sauce Chow Mein is also made with a variety of vegetables and a savory sauce that brings all the flavors together. Thanks to its simplicity and bold flavor, this dish has become one of the most popular Chinese dishes around the world. And it’s easy to see why!
Cantonese Soy Sauce Chow Mein
Ingredients
FLAVOURING MIX
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Chicken bouillon: 1 1⁄2 tablespoons
- Sugar: 1 1⁄2 teaspoons
- Oyster sauce: 1 1⁄2 tablespoons
- Sesame oil: 1⁄2 teaspoon
MEAT INGREDIENTS
- Chicken breast, sliced: 1⁄2 lb
- Barbecued pork: 1⁄2 lb
- Medium shrimp: 6 -8
- VEGETABLES
- Baby bok choy: 7 -8
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Shiitake mushroom: 3⁄4 cup
- Sliced bamboo shoot: 1⁄2 cup
- Sliced water chestnuts: 1⁄4 cup
- Baby corn: 1⁄2 cup
- Minced garlic: 3 tablespoons
- Fresh egg noodles: 2 (250 g) packages
ALL OTHER INGREDIENTS
- Water: 1⁄4 cup
- Cornstarch: 1 1⁄2 tablespoons
- Oil: 5 tablespoons
Selecting The Right Noodles
When making Supreme Soy Sauce Chow Mein, it’s important to select the right kind of noodles. There are a variety of different types available, including fresh egg noodles and dried egg noodles. Fresh egg noodles are usually made with eggs, wheat flour, and water or salt. They have a delicate texture and hold their shape well once cooked. Dried egg noodles, on the other hand, are made with wheat flour and water and are typically dried and packaged for longer-term storage. Both types of noodles work well in Supreme Soy Sauce Chow Mein, though fresh egg noodles tend to be a little more tender after cooking. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference. Whether you use fresh or dried egg noodles, this dish is sure to be delicious and full of flavor!
On Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a popular condiment used in Chinese cuisine. It adds a rich and salty flavor, making it the perfect choice for many different types of dishes. There are many different types of soy sauce available, including light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and Cantonese soy sauce. Cantonese soy sauce has a slightly sweeter and more complex flavor than other types of soy sauce, making it a popular choice for many different Chinese dishes. It is used in everything from stir-fries to soups and noodle dishes, and it is a key ingredient in Supreme Soy Sauce Chow Mein. Thanks to its rich flavor and variety of uses, soy sauce is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves good food!
Alternatives To Oyster Sauce
If you are looking for a soy sauce substitute, there are a few options available:
Vegetarian Oyster Sauce:
This sauce is made from mushrooms, so it does not contain oysters or any other seafood. It has a similar flavor to regular oyster sauce and is a great option for anyone looking for an animal-free soy sauce substitute.
Gluten Free Oyster Sauce:
This soy sauce substitute is made with a gluten-free wheat substitute, making it a great choice for anyone on a gluten-free diet. It has an almost identical flavor to regular oyster sauce and can be used in place of it when cooking Chinese food at home.
Vegetarian + Gluten Free Oyster Sauce:
This soy sauce substitute is made with both mushrooms and a gluten-free wheat substitute, making it a good option for anyone looking for a soy sauce alternative that is also free of animal products. If you’re looking for the most versatile option, this is probably your best bet!
Other Supplies + Tools
- Along with the ingredients, there are a few other supplies and tools you will need to make Supreme Soy Sauce Chow Mein. These include:
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Wok or large skillet for stir-frying
- Clean kitchen towel for draining noodles
- Bowls for serving the finished dish (or a large platter)
Cantonese Chow Mein
How To Make Cantonese Chow Mein
Cantonese chow mein is a delicious and unforgettable Chinese dish. It is a great example of the perfect balance between sweet, salty, and savory flavors. Here are some steps to make your own version of cantonese chow mein.
Step 1: Steam Noodles, Drain, Cool
Steaming noodles is an easy and simple way to prepare them for any dish.
- To get started, place the noodles in a wok with a steamer rack. Make sure the steamer rack doesn’t have any holes so that the steam that builds up can cook the noodles evenly.
- Then, steam for 10 minutes as directed or if using a steamer rack without holes, then increase the time to 2-3 extra minutes.
- Once done, quickly dump the cooked noodles in cold water for 15-30 seconds, draining it through a colander after.
- To make sure all of your noodles are prepared correctly, fluff and separate them with a chopstick before letting it cool down for 3-5 minutes.
With this recipe all you need is 10 minutes (or 13-14 if using a steamer rack without holes) and you’ll have perfectly cooked, delicious noodles every single time!
Step 2: Chop Vegetables
Once your noodles are ready, you can start chopping your vegetables. You’ll need to chop up a bell pepper, onion, cabbage (either finely or thinly), and carrots using a sharp knife.
Make sure all of the vegetables are cut into thin strips so that they cook evenly in the wok. You can also add in some mushrooms or green onions if you would like, depending on your preferences.
Step 3: Create Sauce
Creating the sauce for Supreme Soy Sauce Chow Mein is fairly simple and only requires a few ingredients.
To start, heat up 2 cups of water in a small pot on a stove until it reaches a boil. Then slowly add 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of sugar (or brown sugar), and some salt to taste.
Stir well and use low heat to keep the sauce warm until you are ready to add it to the wok.
Step 4: Heat Wok, Start Cooking
The wok is a culinary item essential for many classic Asian recipes, and it needs to be heated up high to 350-400°F (176-204°C) before anything else can be added.
Corn oil (0.99 tbsp) is heated in the same manner and then used to cook green onion roots and onions for just one minute before setting them on a plate.
Now, to really bring out the flavor of the dish, noodles are added as well. It’s important not to flip these yet; rather, simply move them around occasionally so that the bottom gets crispy over three minutes of cooking time.
As the corn oil sizzles and crackles, the noodles are carefully flipped with a spatula. The heat intensifies, and more corn oil is added to ensure that the mixture is adequately coated.
Taking great care, the noodles continue to cook on this side for yet another three minutes until they’ve achieved a golden-brown hue and a crunchy texture.
Step 5: Cook Bean Sprouts, Add Veggies, Flavors
It’s now time for the noodles to be removed from the wok, and this should happen as soon as they’re perfectly cooked.
Next, a handful of bean sprouts is added to the hot pan and cooked until tender, followed by another splash or so of corn oil. The bell pepper strips are stirred in next before the cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms are added as well.
Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, you can add the sauce to the wok and stir everything together until it is fully coated.
To finish off the dish, toss in a handful of sesame seeds, chow mein noodles (optional), and some chopped green onion for a bit of freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Supreme Soy Sauce Chow Mein!
Video How To Make It
What To Serve With Cantonese Chow Mein
Cantonese Chow Mein is a filling and delicious dish on its own, but you can also pair it with other Asian favorites like Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry, Sesame Chicken with Rice, or Beef and Broccoli. For a heartier meal, you can also serve it with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or with rice for a more filling and satisfying dish. Whatever you decide to serve with your Cantonese Chow Mein, it is sure to be delicious!
Cooking Tips
One of the most important tips for cooking Cantonese Chow Mein is to be sure you have all of your ingredients prepared before starting. Cutting everything up beforehand will make it much easier to get everything into the wok and cooked quickly, so that you can avoid overcooking any particular ingredient or ending up with undercooked vegetables.
Another important tip is to use a good, high-quality wok with excellent heat distribution. If you have the right tools for the job, then cooking Cantonese Chow Mein will be that much easier and ensure that every ingredient is cooked perfectly!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Find These Noodles?
The specific kind of noodles used in Cantonese Chow Mein can vary depending on regional cuisine. In some areas, the dish may be made with flat rice noodles or egg noodles, while other recipes might call for chow mein or lo mein noodles. To find these noodles at a local supermarket or Asian market, simply do an internet search for “Cantonese Chow Mein noodles” or ask a store employee for assistance.
What Are Cantonese Noodles Made Of?
This can vary depending on the specific type of noodles used in a recipe, but in general they are made using wheat flour and water, often combined with egg or egg yolk to provide extra flavor and texture. Noodles used for Cantonese Chow Mein may also be cut into different shapes, from thin strips to short irregular strands.
What’s The Difference Between Cantonese Chow Mein And Japanese Sara Udon?
While both dishes feature stir-fried noodles and vegetables, they have a few distinct differences. Cantonese Chow Mein noodles are generally made using wheat flour or egg yolk, while Japanese Sara Udon are made from only wheat flour. Additionally, the sauce used in Cantonese Chow Mein is darker and thicker than that of Japanese Sara Udon, which is lighter and thinner in consistency. Finally, Cantonese Chow Mein noodles are typically cut into long strips or strands, while Japanese Sara Udon noodles are often folded over before being cooked. Overall, the two dishes have some similarities but are also quite distinct from one another.
Conclusion
Cantonese Chow Mein is a delicious and easy dish to make at home. The recipe only requires a few simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. This meal can be served with steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying dinner. Give Liliana Kitchen‘s recipe a try the next time you’re looking for something tasty and quick!
Ingredients
- FLAVOURING MIX
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Chicken bouillon: 1 1⁄2 tablespoons
- Sugar: 1 1⁄2 teaspoons
- Oyster sauce: 1 1⁄2 tablespoons
- Sesame oil: 1⁄2 teaspoon
- MEAT INGREDIENTS
- Chicken breast, sliced: 1⁄2 lb
- Barbecued pork: 1⁄2 lb
- Medium shrimp: 6 -8
- VEGETABLES
- Baby bok choy: 7 -8
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Shiitake mushroom: 3⁄4 cup
- Sliced bamboo shoot: 1⁄2 cup
- Sliced water chestnuts: 1⁄4 cup
- Baby corn: 1⁄2 cup
- Minced garlic: 3 tablespoons
- Fresh egg noodles: 2 (250 g) packages
- ALL OTHER INGREDIENTS
- Water: 1⁄4 cup
- Cornstarch: 1 1⁄2 tablespoons
- Oil: 5 tablespoons
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, mix together the flavoring mix ingredients until well combined. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the meat ingredients and toss to coat evenly with 1 tablespoon of oil each. Set aside for 10 minutes.
3. To cook the vegetables, combine the bok choy, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, bamboo shoot, water chestnuts, and baby corn in a large bowl.
4. In a wok or large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of oil until shimmering. Add the vegetables to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Transfer the cooked vegetables to a plate and set aside.
6. To cook the noodles, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the fresh egg noodles and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
7. Meanwhile, return the wok or skillet to medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add the chicken and pork mixture to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Add the shrimp to the pan and cook until they turn pink, about 2 minutes.
9. Add the cooked vegetables back to the pan along with the minced garlic, stir-fry sauce, and cooked egg noodles. Stir everything together until well combined.
10. In a small bowl, mix together the water and cornstarch until dissolved. Add it to the wok or skillet and stir until incorporated into the sauce. Simmer for 1 minute or until the sauce has thickened.
11. Serve warm with extra soy sauce on top if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can use any vegetables you like for this dish. Just be sure to cut them into small pieces so they cook quickly.
- If you don’t have fresh egg noodles, you can substitute with dried or frozen noodles.
- For a vegan version of this dish, simply omit the meat and shrimp and use extra vegetables instead.
- To make the dish gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or skillet before serving.
